Advocating for civil rights and equal rights.
Years active: 70
Their story: As the local chapter of the national organization, NAACP’s Santa Cruz County branch has a mission to secure the political, educational, social and economic equality of rights to eliminate race-based discrimination and ensure the health and well-being of all people. President Brenda Griffin spent time working with chapters of the NAACP back east before moving to Santa Cruz, where she’s been involved with NAACP Santa Cruz for 15 years, the past four as president. Griffin brings her passion for social justice and civil rights advocacy to the organization, which works frequently with other organizations like the ACLU. Together, the two organizations were instrumental in getting predictive policing banned in Santa Cruz. More recently, the group helped get a Black Lives Mural installed downtown outside Santa Cruz City Hall.
Fundraising focus:
- MLK Weekend: The NAACP sponsors three events during MLK weekend, including an MLK Youth Day, a Gospel Night. and the MLK March for the Dream. Several thousand community members march through the streets of Santa Cruz to commemorate the life and legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
- Freedom Fund Banquet: The major fundraiser to help NAACP serve our community.
- Labor Day Barbeque: Their opportunity to give back to the community. They offer BBQ for a nominal cost. It's all about the community coming together in a relaxed, pleasant atmosphere.
Our focus is on people of color, but it’s really about all people.
— Brenda